Towards Colonization APUSH Ms. Weston 8/24/12
North America: 1600 Had been free of European colonization Then, in early 1600s, the Spanish, French and English all set up settlements.
England vs. Spain In 1500s, two countries allied. After Protestant Revolution in England, rivalry with Spain grew. Spain’s effort (albeit weak) to help the Catholic Irish against the English only made things worse.
The Importance of Queen Elizabeth Responsible for energizing England to build colonial empire in New World.
Importance of Queen Elizabeth ctnd. Sponsored English “sea dogs” who basically pirated Spanish ships. Ex. Sir Francis Drake Behind two failed English attempts at colonization, Newfoundland and Roanoke.
The Spanish Armada Surprise victory by English meant beginning of end of Spanish empire. Put England on its way to becoming dominant colonial power England was now strong, unified nation state with powerful monarch and a new feeling of national destiny.
17th Century England: Ready to Colonize Large and mobile population Primogeniture meant many younger son’s needed to look to other places for fortune. Unemployment Advent of joint-stock companies Desire by some for religious freedom
The Virginia Company. 1608
Goals of the Virginia Company Gold and passage through America to Indies Really just a money-making scheme -- Investors never thought they would create a new nation!!!
Virginia Company Charter Gave men sailing to New World to settle the same rights as Englishmen. Settlers saw themselves as Englishmen first and foremost.
Jamestown Settlement, 1609
Life in Jamestown Early deaths—disease, malnutrition, starvation. Settlers unprepared, too focused on gold.
Captain John Smith
John Smith Saved Jamestown Organized colonists, made them work. Still many died during “starving time.” Lord de la Warr- forced colonists to get it together.
Jamestown Settlement (Computer Generated)
Chief Powhatan
Settlers vs. Powhatans Settlers raided Indian villages for food, began many wars with Powhatans. Cruelty on both sides! Pocahontas used by British as symbol of assimilation Whites banished Indians from land—by 1685 Powhatans extinct. Victims of 3 Ds: Disease, disorganization and disposability. All fueled by settlers desire for land.
Changes to Native American life Horses—move to Great Plains Forced migration Disease Increased fighting among Indians for trade with Europeans. MUTUAL DEPENDENCY between whites and Native Americans develops
Native American Population in North America
Atlantic Indians Felt Colonization the Worst Those closest to European settlements suffered most. Further inland, where less Europeans, Indians able to keep position of strength.